Post-Brexit Portugal Property Guide for UK Buyers in 2025

 

Despite the UK's departure from the European Union, Portugal continues to welcome British property buyers. However, post-Brexit changes have introduced new considerations for UK citizens interested in purchasing property in Portugal. This guide provides an overview of the current landscape in 2025.

Can UK Citizens Still Buy Property in Portugal?

Yes, UK citizens can still purchase property in Portugal without restrictions. The process remains straightforward, requiring a Portuguese tax identification number (Número de Identificação Fiscal - NIF) and compliance with local property laws. However, residency rights have changed; UK nationals can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Stays exceeding this duration necessitate a residence permit. Source: Blevins Franks

Residency Options Post-Brexit

While property ownership does not automatically grant residency, several visa options are available:

• D7 Visa (or Retiree Visa): Designed for individuals with passive income, such as pensions or investments.
  
  
• Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers with a stable income, amongst other ‘D-class’ visas.
  
  
• Golden Visa: Previously, real estate investments qualified applicants for this program. However, as of 2024, property purchases no longer make one eligible. Alternative investment routes, like job creation or contributions to arts and sciences, are now required. Global Citizen Solutions

Mortgage Considerations for UK Buyers

Post-Brexit, obtaining a mortgage in Portugal as a UK citizen is still possible but comes with stricter conditions

Higher Deposit Requirements: Non-EU buyers often need to provide a 30%-40% down payment.

• Enhanced Financial Scrutiny: Lenders may require more comprehensive financial documentation.
  
  
• Variable Interest Rates: Interest rates can fluctuate, making it essential to compare offers from different banks.
  
  

Market Trends in 2025

Portugal's property market continues to demonstrate strong performance. As of March 2025, house prices have risen by 15.8% year-on-year, according to data reported by The Portugal News. This growth rate is more than double that of the broader EU, UK, and North American markets.

Leading the surge are high-demand regions such as Lisbon, the Algarve, Alentejo, and Porto, where foreign investment and limited housing supply continue to put upward pressure on prices. For UK buyers, this trend underscores both the resilience and competitiveness of Portugal's property market post-Brexit.

Steps to Purchasing Property

1. Obtain a NIF: Essential for all financial transactions in Portugal.properstar.co.uk
   
   
2. Open a Portuguese Bank Account: Required for mortgage applications and property transactions.
3. Engage a Local Lawyer: To navigate legal requirements and ensure due diligence.
   
   
4. Secure Financing: If needed, apply for a mortgage with a Portuguese bank.
   
   
5. Sign a Promissory Contract: Outlines the terms of the sale and includes a deposit.
   
   
6. Finalize the Sale: Complete the transaction with a notary and register the property.
   
   

Conclusion

While Brexit introduced new considerations for UK citizens buying property in Portugal, the process remains accessible. By understanding the current regulations and market conditions, British buyers can make informed decisions and successfully invest in Portuguese real estate, for a full buying guide, head to our Property Buying Process in Portugal page.